We have spent the last week at the cabin in Show Low . We were lucky enough to get just enough snow to enjoy sledding and a white Christmas . Most of my years growing up in the mountains I have enjoyed a white Christmas and I was glad my boys got to spend time playing in the snow this year. It is always a funny thing getting bundled up to play in the snow takes twice as long as the time spent outside. Before we went to the cabin we spent a night at visiting the temple lights . Stratton loved the lights and Emerson couldn't understand how Jesus was born in a steeple on the temple . He was getting a steeple mixed up with a stable and couldn't understand how Jesus could possibly be born in a steeple .
Bass Pro Shop has become something the kids look forward to before Christmas . Santa is always there with his elf's and they have many Christmas themed games and activities for kids.
The boys decided to make snow angels .
Picking out a Christmas tree at Home Depot . This probably wouldn't be the most ideal way of finding a Christmas tree for most people but I have to say it was especially handy for us this year. It is always a struggle finding a live yet inexpensive tree last minute when we spend Christmas at the cabin. We browsed the live trees for a minute and then quickly decided to check out the selection of fake trees . When the salesman offered us a 40% discount on the display we sealed the deal . The lights were already on the tree and the tree stand was in tact . It couldn't have been more convenient .
Charlotte loves climbing and this drawer kept her busy for at least an hour.
I found Emerson in the bedroom massaging Stratton's feet with lotion. Such a sweet brother !
Then Stratton started offering to give David and massages but he charged two dollars .
He did give a good massage so it seemed worth it !
Christmas at my parent's house . They have two of these huge mastiffs . They are so big but very gentle with the kids .
I love pictures in the bath . Charlotte loves bath time and will spend at least 30 minutes splashing in the water.
Decorating out tree .
Stratton has been absouloutly obsessed with snow globes this year . I don't know why he is so interested in them because I am not really a big fan and they are kind of a pricey little item . Well a few days before Christmas when we were at Wal-Mart I found a snow globe kit that kids can make . I thought it would be the perfect pre Christmas cabin activity.
My sweet neice Ellie gave Charlotte this little bear . It is a Fur Real baby and Charlotte is so attached it is adorable . She will not go to sleep with out cuddling it in one hand and her bottle in the other. I always want my kids to be attached to something like a blanket or a stuffed animal yet I have never been able to find something they loved . I think this will be Charlotte's favorite bear for a long time.
Samantha was holding Charlotte and I have no idea why she would hide her beautiful face in this picture.
Rides around Grandma and Grandpa's house from their cousin Samantha. Samantha is a senior and getting ready to graduate . She is so beautiful and so much fun . My kids adore her !
Christmas morning the boys woke up and I think they were both surprised that Santa Clause found them. This year was fun because both Stratton and Emerson understand much more about Christmas then they have in previous years. We prepared a plate for Santa the night before and the first thing Stratton did when he woke up was see if Santa enjoyed his cookies , orange and cold milk.
He ate the everything on the plate and even threw his plate and cup in the trash.
We spent Chritsmas morning this year with David's Sister and also his Brother's families . There were 12 kids to open gifts so needless to say under the tree was full of presents. We each took a corner and tried to keep the mess a little contained when opening gifts.
Stratton has been wanting a drum set for as long as I can remember and so I finally took the plunge and got him one for Christmas . He loves it so far and who knows maybe he will become a successful drummer one day :)
Barbara got Dean an Ipad for Christmas and when he opened it I think he was surprised. David spent days prior trying to configure all of his Dad's favorite apps . He had to hack all of his passwords and that took a lot of time to figure out . I think he will really enjoy the convenience of an Ipad when he figures out just how to use it .
David , Stratton and Emerson all got helicopters for Christmas and so they enjoyed flying them together.
My Mom has this adorable old fashion highchair and Charlotte got to sit in it for Christmas dinner. My Mom is the best cook and I always look forward to her beautiful Christmas meal.
This gives a whole new meaning of a little drummer boy :)
Stratton walked in while Emerson was drumming butt naked and he says, " ewwww, gross get your butt off my chair ."